KYOCERA and VGI Energy bring solar power to affordable multi-family housing in Chicago

VGI’s retrofitted buildings throughout Chicago have been outfitted with 20kW rooftop solar arrays, providing electricity from the clean, renewable energy of the sun and contributing to VGI’s goal of achieving zero-net-energy-capable buildings.

Since 2010, VGI has installed Kyocera solar modules on six Chicago buildings ranging in size from 18 to 70 units, providing more than 600 people with the opportunity to use renewable energy in their daily lives.

“Our housing developments aim to enhance the quality of life for each resident with programs that integrate independent lifestyles with a sense of community; utilizing solar energy to reduce the environmental footprint is a key component,” said Van Vincent, CEO, VGI Energy. “Our partnership with Kyocera plays a very strategic role in our commitment to bringing solar power to an underserved sector of the population: residents of low-income, urban areas.”

Kyocera’s MyGen Pro system includes Kyocera’s solar modules, Enphase and SMA inverters, mounting systems, monitoring packages and all hardware and components necessary to install a state-of-the-art solar electric system on nearly any building. The system can be sized to meet a wide range of power requirements for residential or light commercial buildings.

“Kyocera’s MyGen Pro offering is ideal for this application because it gives VGI choice and flexibility when incorporating proven, reliable solar energy into virtually any housing structure while saving crucial time,” said Steve Hill, president, Kyocera Solar. “Kyocera has been at the forefront of the solar energy industry for almost 40 years, which gives us unrivaled metrics and expertise in ensuring our systems are highly effective and that these affordable, multi-family buildings will continue producing clean, renewable energy for decades to come.”

VGI’s vision is to transform and preserve the current state of affordable multi-family housing in the City of Chicago — breathing new life into buildings with a sharp eye toward sustainability by installing LED lighting, energy-efficient windows, ENERGY STAR appliances and water-efficient plumbing fixtures.

“In addition to Kyocera’s industry experience, high-quality solar modules and proven reliability, Kyocera’s philosophy of doing what’s right for people is aligned with VGI’s commitment to doing what we can to help humanity,” stated Faustina Roman-del Rio, VGI’s VP of sustainability. “Our company philosophies are a good fit with each other.”

As a member of Kyocera’s new Diamond Partner Program for solar PV installers, VGI receives first access to the Company’s latest products and technology innovations, best price guarantees, special sales, discounted training programs, online tools for lead-generation and enhanced technical support.

“Kyocera Solar is honored to contribute to VGI’s goals of providing solar energy to this important market segment,” stated Hill. “Bringing solar technology to low-income families is in line with Kyocera’s commitment to global environmental preservation.”